Explore the medieval world through its art in one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe
Year of entry: 2019
Find out what studying and living in York as a postgraduate is really like.
Meet usMedieval culture is an open chapter, it has been constantly rethought and reinterpreted in subsequent epochs.
On the MA in History of Art Medieval Art and Medievalisms you'll explore the extraordinarily rich material legacy of the period, including the shaping of urban structures, places of worship, sites of government, and universities. You'll be able to study in one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, guided by one of the leading departments of medieval studies in the world.
Our flexible degree programme enables you to learn about art geographically across much of Europe and the Islamic world, and particularly the material culture of the British Isles. You can investigate a wide variety of art objects and their related visual practices, take modules from related disciplines, as well as a module that is jointly taught in collaboration with our partners (eg the Tate or the V&A).
We are one of the largest and most vibrant History of Art departments in the UK, recognised for the excellence of our research environment and research-led teaching.
We have developed successful partnerships with museums, churches and galleries which will enrich your medieval studies and may offer you placement opportunities and privileged access to collections of medieval art.
Studying for an MA has allowed me the freedom to independently research topics I find intriguing, and through this independent study it has encouraged me to form my own opinions and question the secondary literature, as well as scrutinise the primary sources themselves.Eleanor, MA in History of Art (Medieval Art & Medievalisms)Read more about the course from Eleanor.
You play an active role in building your degree, developing a heightened methodological awareness, and designing exciting research projects. You'll forge a more sophisticated understanding of how artworks create meaning, and why some artworks have been deemed culturally more significant than others.
The course enables you to develop advanced communication skills and effective project management. You'll acquire a high level of expertise in visual analysis and art historical research through object-focused study and an intensively researched MA dissertation.
You also have the option to develop your interdisciplinary interests by taking modules with the Centre for Medieval Studies, or in related academic disciplines such as history, literature, archaeology, philosophy, sociology and others. Due to the impact of the medieval on subsequent eras you'll also study medieval revivals and be taught by specialists in later time periods which will encourage transhistorical work.
Our expert academic staff support you every step of the way through personalised, small-group teaching, individual tutorials and field trips. You'll benefit from our specialist knowledge covering the late Roman Empire to the Renaissance and Reformation.
You'll study one core module and four option modules. Further information about the degree structure.
Core module
Medieval Art and Medievalisms: Research Skills and Methods (10 credits)
You'll be introduced to key concepts and cutting-edge methods of art historical research so to improve your understanding of artwork, to develop a critical attitude towards existing scholarship, to identify future fields of inquiry and to hone your communicative and digital skills. You'll also explore tools and methodologies specific to research in medieval art and medievalisms. This course runs throughout the year.
Option modules (20 credits each)
The list of options offered each year will vary according to staff availability, but will include modules to which curatorial or research staff from our partners will contribute. Read more about your choice of option modules.
You can choose up to two option modules from those offered by other humanities departments at York and by our world-class Interdisciplinary Centres in the Humanities.
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
You'll complete your dissertation during the Summer Term and summer vacation with the support of your academic supervisor. The dissertation will be 15,000 words. You'll submit this in September, and it will account for 50% of your final degree mark.
Recent dissertation topics have included:
I am focusing on medieval stained glass traditions. In the city you will meet with an abundance of churches. All slightly different but all a treasure trove of medieval delights. One of my modules ‘Art and Imagery of the York Minster’ is based in the Minster itself and at King’s Manor. Being able to learn about a building whilst being in the building itself is incredible.Becca, MA History of Art (Medieval Art and Medievalisms)Read more from Becca in her blog. Read more from our students.
| Study mode | UK/EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £7,810 | £17,370 |
| Part-time (2 years) Fees for subsequent years are subject to confirmation. |
£3,905 year 1 fee | £8,685 year 1 fee |
Students on a Tier 4 Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. Fees for subsequent years are subject to increase (no more than 2% each year).
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK/EU or international student.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
A wide range of funding opportunities includes placements with funding from the Department's partnership studentships with museums and galleries, AHRC-funded studentships offered via the White Rose College of Arts and Humanities, departmental studentships, overseas scholarships, travel fellowships, and funding for students with specific research interests.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
Study the great Gothic York Minster, its archive and library, the city of York and its churches. Explore internationally important collections of sculpture from the early Anglo-Saxon period onwards, and medieval stained glass at the Minster and York churches. Visit significant monuments nearby include the great Cistercian abbeys of Fountains and Rievaulx, and nineteenth-century revivalist churches in the Wolds.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
Each option module is taught by weekly two-hour seminars, and the core module is taught on a fortnightly basis. You'll have the opportunity to go on field-trips organised by the Department to view art and architecture, these will be an integral part of your learning.
You'll be taught with lectures, seminars and one-to-one meetings with your lecturer or supervisor. You'll have between seven and nine hours on average per week of classes.
You'll study independently for 31-33 hours per week on average. This time gives you space to read widely and develop your thoughts on specialised topics.
We offer an extensive programme of research seminars and events which are an invaluable way to engage with different aspects of your subject, along with discussing module themes with your peers, and the staff weekly office hours.
You'll be part of the vibrant interdisciplinary Humanities Research Centre and as a History of Art student you'll also have access to extensive resources. There is a specialist library collection for stained glass and conservation studies at King's Manor, part of the campus in the city. You'll be able to attend related lectures, conferences or site visits offered by the Medieval Art and Medievalisms Research School.
You will be based in the Department of History of Art on Campus West.
Most of your contact hours will be in Vanbrugh College, with some additional teaching on Campus West and King's Manor in the city.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You'll submit a 4,000 word essay per optional module. For the Research Skills in History of Art module you'll produce a dissertation synopsis as your assessment. You'll also complete a dissertation.
Watch our to find out more about your career and placement opportunities.
We offer amazing partnerships and placements with numerous museums and galleries that will help you in your future career. We work with York Minster, the York Museums Trust, the National Gallery, Tate, and the V&A. We have excellent relationships with regional museums, galleries, churches and country houses— including the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, Castle Howard, the Hepworth Wakefield, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and the Henry Moore Institute. Our collaborations will support your learning and research through modules jointly designed with the partnership institution, and with opportunities for exclusive partnership studentships, work experience and privileged access to collections. The course prepares you for higher research degrees and a range of possible careers. Read about some of our alumni and where their degree has taken them.
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| Degree | We welcome students who have previously studied History of Art, but also those from other backgrounds. You should have, or be about to complete, a 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. We will consider applications from mature students or applicants without formal academic qualifications if you have substantial related experience. We may ask you for an interview in this instance. You should provide an academic writing sample as part of your application. If you are unsure about your eligibility, or want an informal chat about whether this course would be suitable for you, please contact us. The international equivalents of UK qualifications are shown on our country-specific pages. You can also contact the international team for guidance. |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current IELTS scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start it, save it and finish it later.
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